Welcome to Nathan Hale School! 
 

My name is Lindsey Rowland, and I am an educator from North Haven, Connecticut. I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education. My teaching career began as a long-term substitute for 6th-grade special education at North Haven Middle School, and I currently serve as a special education preschool teacher at Nathan Hale. Passionate about fostering creativity and growth in young learners, I value the dynamic and unique nature of working with children every day. Education is deeply rooted in my family as well—my mother works as a paraprofessional in North Haven, my older sister is a paraprofessional in Litchfield County, and my twin sister teaches 7th-grade mathematics.

Kat Laverty attended Southern Connecticut State University and began working in New Haven as a Special Education Para in 1999 at Jackie Robinson .  Mrs.Laverty took some time off to start a family and returned back to the city at Nathan Hale when her youngest daughter started school. "I love working in preschool because they make me smile and laugh EVERY DAY !!!!

My name is Mariella Herrmann, and this is my first-year teaching at Nathan Hale Elementary School. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in May 2026 with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Communication. As a preschool teacher, I believe a great teacher creates a classroom where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. Through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences, I help my students build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. I strive to make each day fun, engaging, and full of opportunities for growth while celebrating all child’s unique strengths and accomplishments.

Hello! My name is Marissa Gamberdella and I teach Pre School here at Nathan Hale School. 

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/ Early Childhood from Southern Connecticut State University and have spent the last 21 years sharing my love for learning with students. My teaching style focuses on hands-on discovery, letters/numbers, gross and fine motor skills and fun science experiments. I believe every child learns differently, and my goal is to create a safe, inclusive and play- based environment where natural curiosity can thrive.  When I am not in the classroom, you can usually find me with my niece Charlotte and nephew Mason, my dog Poppy, and spending time with my family and friends. I am so excited to share my classroom with Miss Lauren Holloway this year to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and fun with your little ones!

Hello! My name is Lauren Holloway, and I am a preschool paraeducator here at Nathan Hale. After attending college in Southern California, I had the opportunity to travel the world while teaching and rising awareness about the importance of music and movement education in schools.  

I love being creative and believe that every child is wonderfully unique with their own special skills, interests, and differences. I strive to create a warm and supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued, encouraged, and celebrated for exactly who they are. 

I am so grateful to teach at Nathan Hale and to be a part of this wonderful community. I feel incredibly lucky to work with these awesome kiddos and to be a small part of their early learning journey! 

​Ms. Amodio began her teaching career in 2015 as a preschool teacher, where she taught for five years before joining Nathan Hale School. She has spent the past seven years teaching first grade. Ms. Amodio earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She is dedicated to ensuring every student feels heard, valued, and supported. Ms. Amodio strives to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Ms. Linda Randi has been a paraprofessional at Nathan Hale School since 1986. She began her career as an instructor for the Right to Read program at Nathan Hale School and then joined the kindergarten team. She enjoys seeing the amount of progress her students make from the start of the school year to the end.

Mrs. Canalori began her teaching career in 2007 at John C. Daniels School, where she taught first grade for twelve years before joining Nathan Hale School in 2019. She has been a kindergarten teacher for the last eight years and is dedicated to helping young learners grow academically and socially. Mrs. Canalori earned a Master's degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University and holds a bachelor's degree from Albertus Magnus College. She is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to learn, grow, and build confidence every day.

Ms. Prokop has been a dedicated kindergarten paraprofessional at Nathan Hale School since 1997. For twenty-nine years, she has been a valued member of the Nathan Hale community, where both of her children attended school. Ms. Prokop's commitment, kindness, and dedication have made a lasting impact on countless families and staff members.

Ms. Amodio began her teaching career in 2015 as a preschool teacher, where she taught for five years before joining Nathan Hale School. She has spent the past seven years teaching first grade. Ms. Amodio earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She is dedicated to ensuring every student feels heard, valued, and supported. Ms. Amodio strives to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Ms. Cusack has been a dedicated paraprofessional since 1995, beginning her career at West Hills. She then worked as a Kindergarten paraprofessional at Fair Haven school. Ms. Cusack has been a valued member of the Nathan Hale community for twenty-four years. A lifelong resident of Morris Cove, she attended Nathan Hale as a student herself, making her connection to the school especially meaningful.

Ryan Reynolds has proudly dedicated more than 30 years to educating students in the City of New Haven. He began his teaching career at Worthington Hooker School and currently teaches at Nathan Hale School, having taught both kindergarten and first grade throughout his career. Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Outside of the classroom, Ryan enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and dog-Rachel Rae.

Mrs. Ortiz graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1992.  She began working at Nathan Hale School as a 2nd grade Special Education paraprofessional in 2015.  She has since worked with many grades and groups of students.  In 2020 she started working as a 1st grade paraprofessional in Mrs. Canalori's class.  "I love working with the Nathan Hale community because it is like a big family." 

Mr. Reynolds has been teaching in New Haven Public Schools since 1996. Mr. Reynolds has a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport and completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Connecticut State University. Mr. Reynolds began his career at Worthington Hooker School, teaching both kindergarten and first grade. "Teaching is like a box of Legos. It provides me the opportunity to creatively build upon a child's potential every day."

Ms. Cusack has been a paraprofessional since 1995, starting at West Hills. Besides Nathan Hale, she has also worked at Fair Haven as a kindergarten para.  She has lived in Morris Cove her whole life and attended Nathan Hale as a student many years ago. 

Mr. Styles began his career in education in the summer of 2009 when he ran a summer literacy program with the YMCA for two summers.  He then received his associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Naugatuck Valley Community College.   He received his bachelor's degree  in Child Studies at Post University and his master's degree at the University of Bridgeport.  He has had experience in many types of classes such as kindergarten, 3rd grade, special education, pre-school and English as a second language.  Mr. Styles started his career at Nathan Hale in September, 2020.    "It brings me joy knowing that I will have a part in shaping the future and helping children to find the best version of themselves."

Mrs. Cormier earned her BA from Wheelock College in 1998.  She began her career in Newton, Massachusetts, teaching pre-k.  In 1999,  she moved back home to Connecticut teaching pre-k for a brief time.  In 2001, she started her career in New Haven working at Wexler Grant Community School for 10 years.  In 2008, she earned her master’s degree from SCSU.   In 2011, she joined the Nathan Hale family.  "There is no greater joy than to mold young minds of today and create the next generations of life long learners"

Mrs. Gambino has been teaching at Nathan Hale since 2016. She has taught both 2nd and 3rd grade. Her career began at Nathan Hale in 2015 as a long term substitute and a building substitute. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and her master’s in Elementary Education at Sacred Heart University. “I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was 7 years old. I love the positive atmosphere and the engaging classroom experience. I enjoy building a rapport with each student and I especially love when the light bulb goes off to show they understand what I am teaching. It is the most rewarding job, and I love seeing my students grow and learn from me each year.”

Ms. Palmer earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Connecticut State University and her master’s degree in reading from Walden University.  She has been teaching for New Haven Public Schools since 1998.    Her career began right here at Nathan Hale in 1997 as a student teacher and then long term substitute.  Her first permanent teaching position was in grade 4 at Martin Luther King School.  She has also taught at Clinton Avenue, Edgewood Magnet School, and Davis Street Arts Magnet School.  Most of her career has been spent teaching grades 3 and 4, but also taught 2nd grade for one year.  She gratefully came full circle back to Nathan Hale in 2015 as a fourth grade teacher.  “It is truly amazing how time flies and I keep having fun when I am doing a job I truly love and has always been my passion”.

Mr. Flanagan began teaching at Nathan Hale in 2019.  He has taught 3rd grade and 4th grade.  Mr. Flanagan earned his master’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Web Design & Development with a specialization in Education from the University of Hartford.  After spending time as a front-end web developer, Mr. Flanagan transitioned careers to become a teacher.  “I have always loved working with kids, and I wanted a career that makes an impact on the world.  I love coming to work every day knowing I’m going to be learning and teaching something new.  My favorite part is the moment when I see a child’s excitement from figuring something out on their own.” 

Tricia Parillo started teaching in 2007 and has been fortunate enough to teach at Nathan Hale School.  She also attended Nathan Hale school as a student.  Tricia received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified to teach grades K-6.  She received her master's degree from Southern Connecticut State University in School Health and is certified to teach health to grades K-12.  “I love teaching for many reasons.  Some of the many reasons I love teaching is, knowing that I am helping students succeed in all areas of their life.  I love learning something new about myself and my students every day.  I love working at Nathan Hale and having the support of the staff and families to help all children succeed and learn to their full potential.  It is a gift to help mold the young minds of students and help them in all aspects of their life, academically and emotionally.”

Michele Ricci began teaching right out of college in September of 1990.  Ms. Ricci went to college at the University of Hartford where she earned her bachelor's degree.  She then received her master's degree at Southern Connecticut State University.  She taught at a catholic school in Meriden from September 1990 to October 1991.  She was hired in New Haven in October 1991 at Nathan Hale School as a 6th grade teacher.  She has taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade.  She also held the position of Dean of Students for several years.  Her love and passion for teaching became the reason she decided to head back into the classroom in the fall of 2019 teaching 4th grade. 

Mrs. Giordano earned her BA in Journalism from Ithaca College in 1999.  She later returned to get her MBA in Elementary Education at Sacred Heart University. She has been teaching in New Haven Public Schools since 2003, beginning at Vincent Mauro grades 2 and 3 and started at Nathan Hale in 2008 teaching grades 2, 4, 5 and 6.   Her favorite part about teaching is being with children and capturing their spirit in their smiles

Mr. Forte

Ryan Mullins received his Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Connecticut and his Master’s Degree from University of New Haven. Ryan was a student teacher in second grade, long term substitute in third grade, and a building substitute at Nathan Hale School during the previous school year.  In 2016 he began his teaching career as a fifth and sixth grade writing teacher. “Teaching has been my dream job since I was in middle school. Having the privilege to engage and work with such a dynamic group of young people is an incredibly rewarding experience. I learn something new every day from working with them.” 

Jaimee Mendillo received her Bachelor’s Degree in American History from the University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of New Haven. Miss Mendillo worked for the New Haven Board of Education from 2003 until 2012, during which time she taught elementary and middle school students at East Rock and Beecher Schools; was a year-long building substitute at Worthington Hooker School; taught summer school in the third grade mandatory program and the high school for credit program; and was a long-term substitute kindergarten teacher here at Nathan Hale School in the Spring of 2004. Miss Mendillo has also worked for the East Shore Regional Adult Continuing Education program, with adult students completing credits towards their high school diploma. Miss Mendillo took some time off from teaching in 2012 to focus on her family, but is thrilled to be back at Nathan Hale as the 6th grade teacher for Reading and Mathematics. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

Trudy Anderson has been teaching at Nathan Hale since 1992.  She has a Batchelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of CT,  a Master of Science in Education from the University of Bridgeport and a Sixth Year professional Certificate in Education from Southern Connecticut State University.  Over the years, she has been a Yale New Haven Teacher's Institute Fellow, a presenter at the CT COLT, NNELL, NECTFL and NFLC conferences. She is also a PLC workshop leader and World Language Coach in the district.  She loves introducing students to a new language and showing how knowing a second language can open new avenues of success for her students.

Kate Bellmore joined the Nathan Hale School community in 2010, as a Lighthouse Literacy Tutor, and then became the 7th/8th grade language arts teacher in 2012.  Outside NHS, Kate teaches English at Southern Connecticut State University. She has a Bachelors of Theatre and English from SCSU, as well as a master’s in English secondary education.  Her certification is in English (7-12) and dramatic arts.  “I love my job here at NHS because every day I get to (re)read relevant, rewarding texts with my students. As we read To Kill a Mockingbird and The Outsiders together, I have the privilege of guiding students into understanding how they can be strong readers, thinkers, and analyzers with some of the most dynamic, engaging texts available."

Melanie Carder has been teaching 7th & 8th graders Social Studies and American History at Nathan Hale School since 2000.  She is a graduate of Southern CT State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in social sciences and her master’s degree in education.  The reason why she loves to teach is her desire to make the world a better place for everyone. Her inspiration is this quote from Benjamin Disraeli, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.”

George has been teaching at Nathan Hale School since 2006.  He has bachelor's of science with a concentration in management as well as a Master of Business Administration from Quinnipiac University.  At Nathan Hale he has taught fifth grade math all the way through high school geometry.  George also teaches elementary algebra at Gateway Community College.  “The only way to learn mathematics, is to do mathematics” - Paul Holmes

Ashley Jones has been teaching in New Haven Since 2008.  She joined the Nathan Hale team in 2015 teaching 7th and 8th grade math.  She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in mathematics At Southern Connecticut State University. Ashley earned her master's in Educations Leadership at the University of New England.  Her certification is in Math (7-12).  Ashley has been a Yale New Haven Teacher’s Institute Fellow.  “Math is fun for me and I want to share that with students.  I also love creating a solid math foundation for students to confidently take with them to high school”

Kristin Satawhite-Shoate has been teaching middle school science since 2017 at Achievement First. This is her first year teaching at Nathan Hale School. Kristin received a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotions from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Education from the University of Phoenix. “ The influence of a good teacher can never be erased. My goal is to be the teacher who recognizes every student for who they are and help them be the very best version of themselves. “ 

Liz Johnston has been teaching English/Language Arts since 2003. From 2003-2011 she taught at Wilbur Cross High School. After a year at High School in the Community, she began teaching 7th and 8th grade Writing and Language Arts at Nathan Hale School in 2013. She has a BA in English and a master's degree in Education from Quinnipiac University.  I love my job because I get to work with kids all day. I love their energy, curiosity, and audacity. I enjoy helping students discover their voice in writing and hope to inspire and empower them to use it towards whatever change they'd like to see in the world.

Christina Ferraro followed her daughters to Nathan Hale. She began as a substitute teacher and eventually started working full time as Ms. Ricci’s paraprofessional. With the inspiration, guidance and support of the Nathan Hale family she got her teaching certificate, in 2002, from Springfield University, and has been a teacher here ever since.  “The teachers made it look so easy.” She said.  Christina graduated with her master’s in literacy from Walden University. She is a member of the Yale Teacher’s Institute.   “I love to read and am fascinated by how our brain learns.  This is a very exciting time to be a teacher. Researchers now have the tools to identify specific teaching practices that truly work. The strategies we are putting into place make classrooms more enjoyable and less stressful. I think it empowers students when they realize they can train their brains.”

Mr. Lyde joined the Nathan Hale Family in 2017. He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a concentration on Performance. Mr. Lyde teaches Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Percussion, Violin, Viola, and Cello at Hale. He also gives private lessons on all instruments in the Orchestra. In his spare time, he also plays drumset, marimba, and xylophone professionally.  "I believe there is no greater joy than learning how to play your favorite song on a musical instrument, and then showing it off for your friends." 

Ms. Miller earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree at Springfield College, where she majored in Movement and Sports studies.  She was also a division III field hockey player with two bids to the NCAA Division III national championships in 1999 and 2000.  Ms. Miller graduated from Springfield College in 2001 and returned home to Connecticut to pursue her career in teaching.  Ms. Miller began teaching in New Haven in 2001 at Sheridan Communications and Technology Magnet Middle School.  She taught at Sheridan until 2006 when she transferred to the Nathan Hale family in the fall of 2006.  Ms. Miller earned her master’s degree in health education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2010.  Ms. Miller is currently teaching at Nathan Hale as the Physical Education teacher and Wellness Coordinator.   “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”  Dalai Lama

Matt Pascuzzo has been teaching P.E. and Health since 2013 and has only taught at Nathan Hale School.  He teaches Physical Education and Health Education for the Pre-K through 8th grade levels. In 2013 he received his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College in Movement and Sport Studies with a concentration in Physical Education. Along with his degree, he played 4 years of college basketball at Springfield earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament his senior year. He currently is the Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Fairfield Prep.

“I love my job because I am a sports/fitness guy and I am fortunate to be around it all day. I love to teach my students new skills about sports/fitness and see them develop over the years.”

Susan Horne is in her eighth year of teaching art. She taught Pre-K to 5 for three years in Montville, CT; taught Pre-K to 8 for two years in Boston, MA and has been teaching at Nathan Hale since 2012. She received a B.A. in Fine Arts with a focus on Art History from Assumption College in Worcester, MA and her M.A. in Art Education from SCSU.  “What I love most about my job is seeing the sheer joy students have when they are using their imagination to create art.

Gillian Greco graduated from UConn in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a Bachelor of Science in Education.  She also graduated from UConn in 2012 with a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  In 2011 she started teaching General Music in New Haven, and in 2012 started at Nathan Hale.  “I love teaching because I get to listen, play, create, and move to music every day with my students.”

Phyllis Voira has been teaching since 1997.  Her first 4 yours she taught at Fair Haven Middle School as a 6th grade teacher.  In 2003, she was hired at Nathan Hale as a 5th grade teacher and then taught the following year as a 6th grade teacher.   Since 2005 Phyllis has been the technology teacher here at Nathan Hale.  Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Haven, a master’s degree in education from the University of New Haven, and a master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Hartford.  “I love my job because I am passionate about technology and the importance it has in our world today.”

Briana Bellinger-Dawson started teaching in 2015 for NHPS. She has taught Dramatic Arts and Dance at Nathan Hale School (2015) as well as Theatre Studies at Cooperative Arts High School (2017). Briana has her AOS in Musical Theatre from AMDA. She is also a certified Teaching Artist through ACES. “One of the best things I love about my job is that I get to see the discovery of students finding their craft and transforming into artists. The beautiful part is that they begin under the impression that they are learning something completely foreign. Over time, they learn that the arts are merely a reflection of life.”